Our last class and your grades

Thank you for a lovely last class session. (Daniela, the staff in our office really enjoyed the tuna dish you brought in.) Everything seems so much better when there's good food around, don't you think?

On another note, after more thought, your grades will be based on the sum total earned for assignments turned in plus the percentage given for class participation. Your score sheet for the intro, philosophy and contextual factors paper will also be based on the scores you earned from those assignments. Since I work hard at reading and evaluating everything, I don't know why I torture myself with this grading process--there really is no need to!

Hope you all have a great summer, and feel free to contact me for academic advisement if you need help.

A Healthy Dose of Humor: Act 3

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c157590b2fa1a7d093a3


Finally, hopefully

A Healthy Dose of Humor: Act 2

My link is now added.

A Healthy Dose of Humor

One of my friends who is a teacher sent me this. Enjoy!

About Teachers and Teaching…

To be good is noble, but to teach others how to be good is nobler—and no trouble.
~Mark Twain 

Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.
~Japanese proverb 

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires.
~William Arthur Ward 

Whoever first coined the phrase ‘you’re the wind beneath my wings’ most assuredly was reflecting on the sublime influence of a very special teacher.
~Frank Trujillo 

Good teaching is more a giving of right questions than a giving of right answers.
~Josef Albers
 
Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which links us with all humanity.
~Lady Nancy Astor

Teaching should be full of ideas instead of stuffed with facts.
~Author Unknown 

What a teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.
~Karl Menninger 

I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.
~Socrates 

Gentle Reminder: Philosophy Statement AND Introduction are due next FRIDAY May 9th!

It seems like we're always in such a rush...

Let's talk about today's important presentations. First of all, I want to tell you how impressed I am by you. For sophomores, you show a great deal of confidence and presence when you speak from the front of our classroom (and I speak from experience--you guys are good). Maybe it's because you've chosen your own topics to research, but in any case, you've made an effort, and I think I can speak for us (your audience)--we appreciate it.

This morning's topics were particularly interesting to me. Inclusion, as we discussed, is core to our humanity. Yes, you have an obligation to teach your students the three r's, but modeling good values is at the heart of our job. Set high standards in your classrooms regarding true inclusion; it's really important. Thanks for choosing this topic, Carlos--as you heard, it's particularly significant to me and some others who responded to your report today.

Parent-Teacher partnerships (sorry you missed this Nick & Mayra) ideally would be a "force" to keep our children on the right path. That's our goal, try not to get off-track by all of the annoying, stressful and pressing daily or hourly issues we so easily find ourselves in the thick of in our classrooms....and Maija--the care you took to interview your neighbor and ask other experts in the field for input, as well as personalizing the presentation with current and relevant examples from your own life (including photos)--I'm so impressed by the caliber of your contributions.

Our last topic today was bullying. Haven't we all been involved in it at some point in some way? If we practice true inclusion, then we can probably prevent some of the bullying from occurring. Didn't we all find it interesting to see that Claire included all of those psychological bullying tactics and gossiping along with the traditional shoving and name-calling and cyber-bullying we're hearing about. It's also good to hear Claire's point of view since it's from a different continent. Goes to show you the universality (?) of human nature. True inclusion should cut down on bullying, don't you think?

Since we haven't met regularly in class, I'd appreciate it if each of you would write a little paragraph about some (one each, for example) of the other presentations we had this semester. Just as a review/summary so we can try to capture the good stuff we talked about and learned this semester from each other. Any back and forth comments would be beneficial to all as well. This is your chance to post some of your own thoughts in regard to the material learned in this course this semester.

Working this summer?

Click on the title for tips for creating a concise resume. Some of the items listed in the left (blue) column should prove helpful.


Friday, May 9th Menu (so far)

Mindy: Portuguese Rice Pudding
Carlos: Portuguese _____________
Mayra: Peruvian empanadas
Nick: Italian Buffalo Wings
Daniela: Peruvian Causa (Tuna Casserole specialty)
Claire: English tea
Maija: potato pancakes w/ sour cream & apple sauce
Maria: Filippino or Spanish ? or cake
me: paper goods & plastic ware

Keep in mind you guys that there are only 8 of us & it'll be 9am!

Learning Disability Workshop Video

If your library has this video I think it's something worth watching. Richard Lavoie is also the author of several books on LD.

All Stars After School Program

Pot Luck

Hey! For the "Pot Luck" on the last day of class, how about we do a Cultural Pot Luck since our class is so diverse even with the small number of us.

Looking for FAQs on Contextual Factors

My assignment is to gathter the frequently asked questions regarding the Teacher Work Sample. Most of you are only dealing with the contextual factors portion, but I would appreciate it if you would repeat some of the questions you've asked me so I'm able to document them.

Thanks!

Can We Chat About the Field?

I've shared one of my field experiences, so I was hoping the rest of the class could share, too. Will we be able to have some oral story-swapping time, Prof. Tomich?

Will miss those visits.

I just want to comment that my visits to Clark gave me a lot of things to think about and absorb. I felt that I connected with these children in some way and they were all so sweet. I was very impressed with the teaching methods and personality of the teacher I was assigned to. I felt like I learned a lot from her. It was also very nice of her to let the principal know what she thought of me, how helpful, engaging and how I asked thought provoking questions. When they were saying goodbye, the children were so sweet with notes and pictures and I almost wish I could just keep on coming every week.

Attenborough - Lyre Bird

What do you think?

now it's down to the paperwork...

Hope all went well yesterday...sorry I missed a couple of you. Looking forward to meeting you all again in class next Friday!

The last sophomore field visit

Hi everybody!
Hope you have a really good final sophomore field visit tomorrow, and just wanted to make sure you get all of the anecdotal information you need for your contextual factors paper...don't be afraid to ask questions, but do be sensitive to the teachers'/principals' time. I'll be at the schools again and look for you.

who you are makes a difference to me

After you watch the video be sure to read what's written at the end of the movie.

photos from the field....

Reminder: Field Reports & Reflections are due again tomorrow

Removing Hold..

Professor Tomich I was wondering if you can remove my hold so I can register? I register on the 11th. my id # is 0534887. thank you :)

A Reminder...

Hey everyone! Just a reminder... TODAY (4/8) is Student Organization Elections! It is very important that we as students vote! Check your Kean email account for the voting link!

Hope everyone's week is going well!

=)

Another Contextual Factors Paper

Looking forward to hearing about your experiences from your latest visit--hope you'll share some anecdotes here since we won't be meeting officially for another three weeks!

Just wanted to remind you that it's time to start working on your philosophy papers
(5/9)and contextual factors papers (5/2), and would like to encourage you to hand these in even earlier than the due dates if that suits you.

I'm confident that you know what you're doing now; we've had several discussions about these assignments--be sure to refer to the materials you have, and feel free to make an appointment with me (after Wednesday--I'm still training) if you want to review something. Also, I have another paper here in my office for you to refer to as a model...I'll keep it on the ledge of the bookcase next to my phone if you stop by without an appointment and I'm not here...

You'll probably see me drop by at your school next Friday!

Valley Road Visit

We didn't get to show the principal how to get on the blog, or even suggest it, because it seemed to be a pretty hectic morning. It was exciting though,meeting the Superintendent of Clark. Overall today was very positive and I loved the 3rd grade class and teacher I was with. I can't wait to go back next Friday.

Sudan: The Cost of Silence – Ryan Spencer Reed Shows a Photographic Documentary Exhibit. Unforgettable images of the genocide unfolding in the Darfur region of Sudan will be displayed in the Center for Academic Success Gallery from Wednesday, March 26 to Friday, May 9. An opening reception with the artist Ryan Spencer Reed will be held today, Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by a lecture at 8 p.m. in CAS, Room 106.

Teacher Power

Click on the title to find out what sources of power teachers have on their students.

School visit

Hi, I was wondering what time we had to be at Valley school. I know the school starts at 8.00am but do we need to be there eariler. Thanks. Claire.

This photo will be in the new COE Newsletter!

Hope it comes out before the end of the semester so you can each get a copy!

Suburban School

Hi Everybody!
I spoke with the principal about this Friday (I'm trying not to use names here, as you can see...). He's looking forward to seeing you all, and will give you a talk and a tour. During our conversation I told him about the blog, and he was interested in seeing it and possibly participating in it.

I'd like to ask one of you to take the time to give him a quick "tour" and also to help him set up a gmail account and send me an email from it (if he has the time and wants to go through all of that). I randomly chose Mayra to help him with this, but if someone else really wants to, please let Mayra know. OK?

Thanks--and sorry I can't be there, but I'm sure all will go well.

Good luck and enjoy!

NCSL Day 3

Hey! I am on my third day here and so far it has been an experience I'll never forget! The speakers are amazing and some are very motivating and inspirational. We have also had alot of fun outside the workshops and touring the city and eating at different types of places everynight. We leave tomorrow afternoon. Talk to you all soon!

It's Complicated

Click the title above to look at 17 photos and quotes of/by teenagers around the country.

National Conference on Student Leadership

Hey everyone! Here I am writing in this blog from the Westin in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been awake since 3 this morning and I am drained beyond belief! The flight was excellent and the hotel is very very nice. I have attended a few workshops so far and there was an interesting one on "networking." It is apparently a VERY important thing to have now a days. The speaker said the common quote is "It is not what you know, but WHO you know." However, she added onto that by saying "It is not so much who YOU know, but who knows YOU!"
We are done with workshops for today and now heading out for dinner and some fun! Hope you are all doing well back home!!

-Mindy =]

ps. If you click the title of this post it will take you to the site for this conference and you can check out who is here speaking and the different workshops we are attending.

Torch Walk & Rally for Darfur

Torch Walk & Rally for Darfur

Montclair, N.J.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
2:00 - 4:00 pm

Walk in Solidarity with the People of Darfur to Raise Funds for Humanitarian Relief.

Rally to Take Action and
Stop the Genocide NOW.

2:00pm Torch Walk from Montclair High School
(corner of Park and Chestnut Streets). Walk one
mile across town to the Rally at First Congregational
Church.

3:00pm Rally for Action at First Congregational Church in Montclair (40 South Fullerton Ave). Join professional and Olympic athletes, politicians, genocide survivors, and Darfurians for action steps urging both the United States and China to press for the immediate deployment of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force.

Pledge forms, flyer and more information...








Essex County Coalition For Darfur | 130 Cooper Avenue | Montclair | NJ | 07043

Another Topic...

Prof. Tomich,
Can I do my second presentation on New Jersey's Education Assessments (NJASK, GEPA, HSPA and so on) instead of Favoritism in the Classroom?
I think this will be the last time that I change my topic...

Happy Birthday Professor Tomich

I'm very sorry I couldn't be there I woke up feeling sick went to my doctor I have strep throat...better now than next week. what happened in class today?

Happy Birthday Prof. Tomich!

Have a great day.

Breakfast Friday!

Hey everyone!
I was wondering what you guys wanted for breakfast for Friday. I know we talked about Dunkin Donuts, and that's fine, but if anyone has another idea that would be great too. Just let me know what we decide on and I'll get it on Friday.

Hope you're all enjoying your spring break...

But...did you read that hand-out on classroom behavior yet? Just curious, because I'm looking forward to your reflections on it.

Also, a reminder: please don't use real names in your field reports and journal reflections...

See you on the 28th!

New Topic

Professor Tomich,
I wanted to know if I could change my 2nd presentation topic to: Favoritism in the classroom.

Website on standards

Here is the website with all the New Jersey standards. I found this to be extremely helpful and I hope it helps all of you as well in the future. http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/

"The Translator"

The Sunday (3/16) Star-Ledger featured an interview with a tribesman and former translator from Darfur who now lives in Baltimore. He has written a memoir entitled "The Translator" (Random House, $23).

Can I go on May 2nd?

Can I present on May 2nd?? This time around I'm allowed to pick the topic?

Becker's Teacher Store

This is the link to the teachers' store. There is a store locator at the bottom.
http://www.shopbecker.com

April 25th Class Presentations

I am doing Learning Disabilities. Nick and Mayra I believe also wanted to present on the 25th.

How will the future President improve education in the U.S.?

I walk to work...

Does anyone pass a Dunkin' Donuts on the way to school? If you do, and if you will, can you bring us donuts tomorrow? My treat!

Education in the USA

The Job Opportunities for Teachers

Hello everyone!
This Friday, March 14, 2008 I will be delivering my presentation on the job opportunities for teachers. In preparation, I would appreciate if everyone would answer the following questions. I will be using your responses throughout my presentation, so if everyone could email me their answers by this Thursday (moreirca@gmail.com), that would be great!

1. Rearrange the following list so that the first item represents the type of teacher who held the most teaching jobs in 2006 and so that the last item represents the type of teacher who held the least amount of teaching jobs in 2006.

• Preschool Teachers
• Kindergarten Teachers
• Elementary School Teachers
• Middle School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers

2. Between 2006 and 2016, the employment of teachers will __________ by 12%.

• A. increase
• B. decrease

3. Complete the following sentence: Between 2006 and 2016, job openings will become available for college graduates who are applying for jobs to replace teachers that . . .

4. From now until 2016, do you think student enrollment will increase or decrease? Why do you think so?

5. Which of the following two areas of the United States will experience a rise in teacher employment and which two areas that will experience a drop in teacher employment?

• West
• Midwest
• Northeast
• South

6. Are the job prospects for teachers generally better among schools located in rural and inner city areas or among schools located in suburban areas?

7. Name 2 subjects or specialty areas that are in high demand and 2 subjects or specialty areas that are not in high demand.

8. As of May 2006, the average annual salary of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers ranged from:

• A. $28,940 - $35,100
• B. $51,200 - $55,490
• C. $43,580 - $48,690
• D. $39,700 - $42,810

9. Complete the following sentence: Private school teachers are not required to be _________ in order to teach.

10. What is your education major as well as your academic major? (For example: Elementary Education K-5, 5-8 with Math)

Note: Respond to each question without looking up any answers. No cheating! Also, if there is a question that you don't understand, just let me know and I will try to reword it. Thanks.

Bring your posters and the goldenrod TWS booklet on Friday

Agenda:
Let's start the class with one quick anecdote from each of you--from one of your field visits
Three student presentations: Carlos, Claire and Daniela
Comprehensive review on Contextual Factors paper & Philosophy Statement
Return & review of first field reports & reflections
Poster viewing and collection (I'd love to hang them in the Dean's Conference Room...?)

Looking forward to seeing you!

Assignments not found

Two students (M.O. and D.M.) still owe me first week assignments. Please send asap so you don't lose more credit for being late...perhaps you sent to the wrong email address? Send to tomichm@kean.edu

Maija's enjoying her visit

Mindy gave a lesson today!

Students and Teachers in the Field...

12 Mar 08 Orientation Meeting

This Wednesday there will be a general education meeting held at 3:30pm in HH 113. Mr. Ron Dowdell will make introductions and then each major (early childhood, elementary ed, post-bac, etc) will go off to separate rooms for more specific info about their majors. The meeting is geared towards new students and transfers, but if you're available and don't always have time to arrange meetings with your adviser, this may be a good opportunity for you to ask questions.

Friday March 7, 2008

Just wishing everyone good luck tomorrow on their second day of their field visit. GOOD LUCK

Dr. Sut Jhally

This professer from UMass Amherst was here yesterday and gave two great lectures. Sorry I didn't know to give you a heads up. Visit his website to see for yourselves.

bring materials and questions

Since we haven't been together for a while, let's take care of business when we meet a week from Friday...there are questions about the contextual factors paper, and I also want to review and explain more about the philosophy statement and the introduction to the TWS...I now understand it better myself!

Be sure to bring the goldenrod A Guide for Compiling a Teacher Work Sample Portfolio with you...we'll go over EVERYTHING you need to know.

Are you all OK with the field reports and reflections at this point?

Also, who's presenting next Friday? (March 14th)

Last Friday's Visit

Just wanted to let you know that you all looked very professional and alert when I visited you last Friday...I was glad to see you helping students and generally looking sharp!

Did the principal in the suburban school get a chance to meet with you later in the day? (Just checking).

What were some of the things the principals talked about?

I'd love to hear a little about your experience here on the Blog...anything you want to share?

Harrison Elementary School

It looks like the interns enjoyed their visit to Harrison Elementary School. I hope to meet each on Friday, March 7th at Harrison.

Question

Prof. Tomich,
For our field reports, do you want us to write out each question and answer it in sort of an outline form or do you want it to be in essay form?

Feb 19th & Feb 26th

The answers to your questions are on the posts from these two dates. Pay attention, students ;-)

Two Assignments?

Are there two assignments? Do we email our field report, as well as, our reflective journal before next Friday or is the reflective journal (5 days) something we hand in as a collection of entries at the end?

How was it?!

tomorrow in the field

Just a few pointers:

In both schools you'll have to sign in and wear name tags. The secretary in the main office will help you, and as you show up, I expect you'll help each other. I'm pretty sure the principal will meet with you for a short orientation and assignments. Share any info with each other on the floor plan (i.e. where the restrooms are, teacher's room for breaks and lunch, and anything else that you learn that will be helpful.

Remember to show up on time, park on the street, bring your lunch, turn off your mobile phone--no not on vibrate...off! No chewing gum, a notebook and pen...be attentive, helpful and well-mannered. Take a look at the your handbook, or bring it with you just to be sure about observing and recording what's necessary for your field report. I'll probably stop by before noon, but might not see you all when I'm walking around. I may beckon to you from the door to come out...just come on out to the hall if I do...

I'm sure you're going to be fine; be very observant--the more you catch the more you learn. I can't wait to see your impressions here...so be sure to share!

Have fun--see you tomorrow!

Darfur pictures

Hey everyone, on the Kean site they have the Darfur pictures up. On one of them you can see our backs Lol. They look good just thought I would mention them.

Field Reports & Reflections

Professor Tomich, for our field visit coming up this friday, do you want us to focus on both sections A and B from the Introductory Field Experience Handbook (p.18) when doing our field reports and reflections since last friday there was a snow day?

2nd round

We've got Maria & Mayra for May 2nd...we could use about 4 more for that day; don't be shy...thanks you two!

Most Recent Link to Comparative Indicators of Education

This is the most updated version I could find of the last link that Prof. Tomich had posted. This was released August 2007. You would need to go to "online availability" and download the file.

Not busy work

Since you're not busy writing field reports and reflections, I decided to visit an old Blog to find some sites some of my former students found interesting. Take a look at some of these--if they're a bit out of date, post some new info for us.

Also, think about what you'd like to make your next presentation on. I know that some of you haven't had a first pass yet, but we could add some second presentations when we have time. Suggestions include: After-school programs, inclusion, bullying,
favoritism in the classroom...and I'm sure you can think of others.

Meanwhile:
http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2007163
http://k6educators.about.com/od/helpfornewteachers/tp/mistakes_new.htm
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2005/2005021.pdf

(I know that last one is old--can you find some current info on the subject?)

So...hope you enjoy reading and sharing your thoughts on these topics...

Darfur Update

I read today in The Star-Ledger that the situation has worsened. According to the report, the U.N. is unable to reach refugees in Chad with food supplies because of aerial bombardment. I also read in my community paper that my alma mater, J.P. Stevens in Edison, has organized a fundraiser for Darfur. So the issue is on the minds of local teens. At least that is good news.

Enjoy your snow day!

No make-up class for today...but let me remind you that there is an assignment here on this Blog that you are to complete. Maybe today would be a good day for you to create that poster using Excel...

SNOW DAY FOR HARRISON (Roselle)

Harrison's message popped up while I was checking it. Closed,

SNOW DAY FOR CLARK

I just checked Clark's website. Hehnly Elementary is closed today.

Your first field visit!

Even though I visited both schools, I didn't get to see either principal. NBD...
If the weather is really bad early in the morning, check the school's website, or call the Board of Ed in the town you'll be visiting---just in case it's a snow day.

Please be patient if the principal can't get to see you, or can't meet with you right away (especially if the weather's bad)...just take it easy, look around, take in the atmosphere and relax.

Can't wait to hear your first impressions--good luck!

Read this note regarding our classroom visits.

From : Melissa Tomich
Sent : Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:40 AM
To : Maija Johnson
Subject : Re: field reports/reflective journal

| | | Inbox
Attachment : tomichm.vcf (< 0.01 MB)
Hi Maija.

Both are due a week after your visit. No handwritten assignments--only typed. My
poor eyes wouldn't be able to take it!

Yes, concentrate on A this time, B next time, then C. Start with A again at the
new school.

Each assignment should be saved identifying what it is, and also with your name,
i.e. Field Report #1, Maija Johnson 2.29.08 (or something similar to that) And
also be sure to include your name on the assignment too, so when I print it out
I know who's it is!

Do you think you can copy and paste this email exchange into a post on our blog?
(You can exclude this part...) I would really appreciate it, and it would
clarify things for the others.

Thanks,
M. Tomich

PS: I'm going out to the schools today...



----- Original Message -----
From: Maija Johnson
Date: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:22 am
Subject: field reports/reflective journal

> Hi,
>
> A few questions, just to confirm:
>
> The field reports should be emailed to you and the reflective
> journal is a
> separate entity that you will read later? Do you want the journal
> in a
> particular form--notebook, handwritten?
>
> We will only be focusing on A. questions 1-4 on page 18 blue
> handbook for
> our first field visit?
>
> Thanks,
> Maija
>

Link to the Artist's Video

Art Exhibit at Kean (Darfur)

Our Class at the Darfur Conference 2.15.08

Please share your thoughts, questions, comments, reactions.

This conference was so powerful. I wish you were able to stay the afternoon to see and hear Simon Deng...I'll tell you all about it when we meet in class.

How to Make Great Teachers

I thought this article was very interesting. Just wanted to share it with everyone.

A Good Teacher is Culturally Responsible

I meant to discuss this topic more during my presentation. A great way to have a culturally aware classroom is to invite parents to come in and share their culture, customs, and traditions. They can read a book, tell personal stories, wear related clothing, show special trinkets, have a food testing, or even do a craft or play a game that pertains to that culture. My son's kindergarten class was fortunate to have a different parent presenter every month. He loved it, and he can speak (at the age of 7) more fluently about certain customs than can many adults. These "culture shares" can be tailormade for any grade level.

Darfur

Hi Everyone.
I'm looking forward to seeing you all at Wilkins Theater at 8:30am this Friday in front of the ticket office. If you're late, you'll just have to find us. Please click on Darfur (above) if you'd like to prepare yourselves before the conference.

You may find it a bit strange that I asked you to join me in participating in this conference, but really, the more we know about the world, the better teachers we can be. You have no idea what some of your immigrant students may have gone through in their young lives before they make it to your classroom. You can't imagine.

Anyway...we'll have to discuss here on the Blog--you'll all be away out in the field for a while...which reminds me: Be sure to take a dry run to your school before Friday the 22nd. I'd hate to see you late because you got lost!

Please view, follow directions & create a poster--due March 14th...

Personal Achievement

I just wanted to say that last Friday was the first time that I felt completely comfortable standing in front of my class and doing a presentation. I am not at all a fan of speaking in front of my peers and it has been something I have been trying to overcome for a while. I feel like this class, even though we have not been in it for that long yet, has really allowed us, through alot of interaction and stories of personal experiences, to get to know each other a little more then our other classes. Being that this feeling was a first for me, I thought I would share it. Maybe someone else can relate to this. So far I think everyone has seemed very comfortable in class, especially with the presentations. Well, just thought I'd be a little more personal. See you all Friday, bright and early! (o boy!)

-Mindy

Ode Magazine : Dude, where's your community?

Mrs. Klein of the TPC will visit us at 9am on Friday, February 8th.

It's time to comment on your speaking and writing skills

Suggestion: Make it a point to review the "oral" and "written" rubrics you have in your folders. With your first visit coming up, it's important for you to be conscious of the way you communicate to the personnel and students in your school. (I want you to make a good impression--who knows--it may help you get a job in the near future!)

Never hand anything in that hasn't been proofread. If you don't trust yourself to catch your own errors, make an arrangement with a classmate or friend to trade papers and proofread for each other. (It's insulting to receive student papers that haven't been proofread).

Check this list of commonly misspelled words:

http://www.yourdictionary.com/library/misspelled.html

Please know the difference between "their, they're and there," and use the right one.

We converse--it hasn't officially evolved into conversate yet...

Know when to use "I" or "me" (I'll give you a great tip in class next time if you remind me).

Remember: First impressions are important!

School Visit Info

For all three schools: You are to find parking on the street; please do not park in the school parking lots--there just aren't enough spaces for you. Be aware of street cleaning/alternate side of the street parking signs!

In Roselle you're to be there at 8:30am and stay until the 3:10pm. Students are dismissed at 2:55pm, but teachers stay 15 minutes beyond that. It's a 40 minute lunch, so chances are you won't have time to leave the building to buy & eat lunch out...(that doesn't mean you can't leave the building at all)

In Clark you're expected to report at 8am and stay until 3pm. Here you have a 50 minute lunch and you can ask for some nearby lunch places if you like.

Your lunch time is the same as the teacher and class your observing. You may or may not have the same lunch period as your classmates. In any case, I highly recommend that you brown bag it at least for your first observation--just to be sure that you are covered. You can check out the cafeteria and decide what to do for your second visit.

So: street parking only, brown bag it at least for the first observation, and be sure to be prompt. Please use this forum for any questions that come up prior to your first visit, and also to share info and tips you may have after your first visit!

Pay Attention

Hello everyone.
I just came across this very interesting video. I thought I would share it with everyone. The video is about how teachers should use current technology to educate their students in today's world, who are considered Digital Learners.



I think the Text Messaging example is a very clever way to engage students in their studies.

Vygotsky Presentation..Please Answer Survey

What Makes a Good Teacher?

Homework for 2/8: Think about the following questions and be prepared to share with our class. Who were your good teachers? What qualities made them good?

Our Class

Test your multiple intelligences

Montessori Method

This video is a background of Maria Montessori please watch before class so that you have a little background of who she is. Here is the link if the video does not work. http://youtube.com/watch?v=L2A3-z0qdCw

Nick Smith

PowerPoint Tips

Housekeeping

Hi Everybody.

Ms. Pat Klein, from the TPC, will visit our class this Friday to update us on information from the Teaching Performance Center.

After that, we'll have Nick's presentation on the Montessori Method, and Mayra's presentation on Multiple Intelligences. Please post any homework or preparation necessary before we meet.

The other presentations so far are:
Maria -- Vygotsky (2/8)
Maija -- what makes a good teacher... (2/8)
Mindy -- Skinner (2/8)
Claire -- national standards & NJ core curriculum standards (3/14)
Carlos -- Job opportunities for teaching (3/14)
Daniela -- Historical & current influences on curriculum decsions (3/14)
Dida -- What are the basic philosophies on which educational philosophies are based? (3/14)

Please don't forget also--be prepared to discuss point values & due dates for the following assignments.

Six Field Reports & Reflections each set is worth 6pts. (36%)
Due the Friday after the visit

Essay: My Philosophy of Education (10%) due 5/9

Class Participation (including Blog participation) (35%)

TWS Element--Contextual Factors (20%) due 5/2

See you soon.

First Day of Class

Welcome to:
Top row l to r: Claire, Mayra, Mindy & Carlos
Seated: Maija, Maria & Nick

Watch this video and tell us what you think....

International Conference on Human Rights at Kean University

Darfur: The first Genocide of the 21st Century

Instead of meeting in our classroom on Friday, February 15th, we will attend this conference in Wilkins Theatre. You are not required to attend the afternoon session, but you may want to after attending in the morning. (Free lunch included...)
Please be honest about morning only or both morning and afternoon sessions so that the people involved in this conference will have a more accurate count of who will be attending what. Also, when you register, where it says title, put my name in parentheses so we can be counted as a group.

Registration is required: http://www.kean.edu/darfurconference/registration.html

Welcome

Hi Everyone!

EMSE 2800 is your initial field observation course. This course is designed to give you the opportunity to observe students and teachers in the elementary ed setting. You'll visit both an urban and a suburban school--each school three times.

You'll also experience delivering presentations in front of the class. In this course, I'm the facilitator...you will be in charge of what you learn and what and how you'll present to your classmates (I will help with suggestions). Although I'll be happy to answer your questions, and of course I'll share some of my experience with you, for the most part, you will be in charge of your own learning experience.

Please use this blog to ask any questions or to make any comments. This is a convenient place to meet with your classmates and discuss your activities regarding this course. From time to time I will post some URLs for you to visit, ask some questions and generally check to see how you're doing...other than that, as stated above, you are in charge.

I look forward to learning from each of you!